Michigan Synagogue Attack: Suspect Dead

The suspect involved in a vehicle-ramming attack Thursday on a synagogue in Detroit, Michigan, was killed after exchanging gunfire with security guards at Temple Israel synagogue.

The armed man was identified as Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, 41, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Lebanon, according to the Department of Homeland Security. During a news conference, Jennifer of the FBI called the attack a “targeted act of violence against the Jewish community” and said that the agency was leading the investigation, per The Associated Press.

The vehicle caught fire after crashing into the building, according to reports. Ghazali was fatally shot and a security guard was injured. None of the synagogue’s staff, teachers or the 140 children at its early childhood center were injured, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.

Officials have not determined a motive yet.

“We are deeply and humbly grateful to our teachers, staff, security, law enforcement, and Shenendoah Country Club that welcomed us, fed us, and sheltered our staff, teachers, children, and parents. What incredible neighbors we have. What incredible police force we have,” Temple Israel said in a Facebook statement.

Synagogues across the world have increased security since the U.S. and Israel launched a war with Iran on Feb. 28, said AP.

In Virginia, another violent attack left a community shaken on Thursday. A gunman who opened fire in an Old Dominion University classroom killed one and wounded two, said the FBI. The agency identified the suspect as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member who had spent eight years in prison after pleading guilty in 2016 to attempting to aid the Islamic State.

Jalloh yelled “Allahu Akbar” before the shooting, said the FBI. At a news conference, Dominique Evans, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Norfolk field office, said that the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps students showed “extreme bravery and courage.”